Baby Elephant Ears provide neck, head support for infants

CAMBRIDGE, Minn. — A new product is designed to provide babies with neck support and comfort while they’re in the seated position.

Baby Elephant Ears, invented by mother Alicia Overby, provide spinal and neck alignment and can be placed behind babies’ necks while they’re in the stroller, swing, car seat or on the changing table.

Overby created the pillow when it seemed her second child could never get comfortable. A chiropractor suggested something to better support the baby’s head and neck while in a seated position, as his discomfort was most likely due to strain experienced during labor and the normal lack of neck strength in infants.

Shopko to open two Hometown stores next year, further expanding small format

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko is opening two small-format stores in the Midwest, the chain said Thursday.

The company said it would open Shopko Hometown stores in Mayville, Wis., and Valentine, Neb., in spring 2014. The Shopko Hometown format is designed to serve smaller communities than the chain’s larger store model and combines retail health services with an assortment of general merchandise, consumables and others.

"We’re excited to bring Shopko Hometown to these great communities," Shopko CEO Peter McMahon said. "We understand that consumers in smaller towns are looking for the same variety of high-quality goods and trend-right merchandise that can be found in larger cities. Customers of our Hometown stores tell us they appreciate the vastly improved shopping experience and access to a broad, differentiated selection of merchandise, including products and brands previously not available in their community."

The chain currently operates 180 stores in the Shopko Hometown format, as well as 134 full-sized Shopko stores, five Shopko Express Rx stores and six Shopko Pharmacy stores.

Freshpet announces new holiday treats

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Dog owners have two new reasons to rejoice this holiday season, thanks to Freshpet.

Freshpet, which makes fresh, refrigerated dog and cat food, has announced the introduction of two new products to the mix: Dog Joy Chicken Strips with Flaxseeds and Dog Joy Sausage Slices.

"Now more than ever, concerned pet parents are looking for healthier ways to reward their four-legged family members over the holidays," Courtney Groome, Freshpet Director of Marketing, said. "We are excited to expand our fresh treats line and provide them with even more options for treating their pets to something special without worrying about potentially harmful ingredients."

Dog Joy Chicken Strips with Flaxseeds and Dog Joy Sausage Slices are only available in select Walmart stores. To find a Walmart that carries Freshpet food, visit Freshpet.com/storelocator.

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